The kids love to see their faces on the digital camera screen!
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy early 1st Birthday to Ben!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!!!! (Photo Blog)
The kids love to see their faces on the digital camera screen!
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy early 1st Birthday to Ben!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
A flood in the desert
Swakopmund --> Sossusvlei, Namibia
We rented another car in Windhoek to travel around the desert for five days. It was quite a task on "Worker's Day" (Sunday, May 1st) considering it was a holiday. We managed to get the last car from the airport to start our journey to the premier beach town of Namibia - Swakopmund.
Being that it is the start of winter in Southern Africa, all of the locals are bundled up in leather jackets, fleece, and snow hats. Mike and I wore our swim suits every day in hopes of some beach time!
Rather, we waded knee deep in the water and picked through thousands of shells on the rough shore line.
We did sign up for a day of sandboarding on the dunes! They equip you with a refurbished snowboard and boots - and then you start walking! Basically, the snowboard is covered in Formica and you use standard floor wax on the surface of the board for each ride. It was a lot like snowboarding minus the chairlift. I still had the upper hand on riding, while Mikey was much better at hiking the sand dunes. We had a fun day meeting a family from Holland, a British sports fanatic, and an Ozzy mountain climber.
From Swakopmund, we headed south to Sesriem/Sossusvlei with the famous red sand dunes in the desert. Unfortunately, the rain follows Mike EVERYWHERE! So, we had a solid 14 hours of rain and desert floods before we could enjoy the dunes! Luckily, the skies eventually cleared and we were able to hike the red dunes and wade through the new formed "river".
Pictures will speak more than words - so, you will have to wait for more details.
Now, we have made it to Cape Town to enjoy the last few days of our adventure.
Much Love,
Alex and Mike
We rented another car in Windhoek to travel around the desert for five days. It was quite a task on "Worker's Day" (Sunday, May 1st) considering it was a holiday. We managed to get the last car from the airport to start our journey to the premier beach town of Namibia - Swakopmund.
Being that it is the start of winter in Southern Africa, all of the locals are bundled up in leather jackets, fleece, and snow hats. Mike and I wore our swim suits every day in hopes of some beach time!
Rather, we waded knee deep in the water and picked through thousands of shells on the rough shore line.
We did sign up for a day of sandboarding on the dunes! They equip you with a refurbished snowboard and boots - and then you start walking! Basically, the snowboard is covered in Formica and you use standard floor wax on the surface of the board for each ride. It was a lot like snowboarding minus the chairlift. I still had the upper hand on riding, while Mikey was much better at hiking the sand dunes. We had a fun day meeting a family from Holland, a British sports fanatic, and an Ozzy mountain climber.
From Swakopmund, we headed south to Sesriem/Sossusvlei with the famous red sand dunes in the desert. Unfortunately, the rain follows Mike EVERYWHERE! So, we had a solid 14 hours of rain and desert floods before we could enjoy the dunes! Luckily, the skies eventually cleared and we were able to hike the red dunes and wade through the new formed "river".
Pictures will speak more than words - so, you will have to wait for more details.
Now, we have made it to Cape Town to enjoy the last few days of our adventure.
Much Love,
Alex and Mike
Friday, May 6, 2011
R-V in Namibia Yet?!
Journey to Namibia
Hitchhiking is the most reliable means of public transport from Maun, Botswana to Windhoek, Namibia. Luckily - we found combi buses until 7km from the border. After waiting an hour for a ride, we opted to walk. An eccentric German joined our ranks - and only after crossing the border do we learn that he has zero money and a fishy story.
We part ways when we find a south African gentleman driving an RV who offers to take us to Windhoek. We think we are joining a family vactation until we reach the city and the ladies just start unloading! Weird! Oh! And this is after we ran out of gas about 30km from the city! The best part is we stopped at a petrol station about an hour earlier- but- he opted to not get gas!! The drive that we were expecting to take 3hrs took 5! Don't worry the only Namibian police we have seen showed up to take our driver to get fuel in empty, plastic coke bottles!
We did have a fun 5 day adventure through the desert- but it will have to wait. We are about to hop on a bus to Cape Town!
Hitchhiking is the most reliable means of public transport from Maun, Botswana to Windhoek, Namibia. Luckily - we found combi buses until 7km from the border. After waiting an hour for a ride, we opted to walk. An eccentric German joined our ranks - and only after crossing the border do we learn that he has zero money and a fishy story.
We part ways when we find a south African gentleman driving an RV who offers to take us to Windhoek. We think we are joining a family vactation until we reach the city and the ladies just start unloading! Weird! Oh! And this is after we ran out of gas about 30km from the city! The best part is we stopped at a petrol station about an hour earlier- but- he opted to not get gas!! The drive that we were expecting to take 3hrs took 5! Don't worry the only Namibian police we have seen showed up to take our driver to get fuel in empty, plastic coke bottles!
We did have a fun 5 day adventure through the desert- but it will have to wait. We are about to hop on a bus to Cape Town!
Monday, May 2, 2011
So much Water Such a Little Pula!
Maun, Botswana
Okavango Delta
Hitchhiking is the most common method of travel in Botswana. The highway system is riddled with potholes and elephants. Yet again, we hitched from Kasane to Nata. Then, found ourselves on an over crowded bus into Maun. With Mike, we brough the rain. We spent one lazy day reading and playing chess and preparing for our boat camping adventure into the Okavango Delta.
We lucked out with blue skies and sun the next day as we had an hour journey by motor boat into the delta and then another 3 hour macoro ride deeper into the delta!
Our guide, Magale, led us on morning and night bush walks, macoro rides, and a swimming adventure. There was much talk of vegan diet and the 2nd coming of Christ. More details will follow!
We are in Namibia! But, it is time to seize the day!
Okavango Delta
Hitchhiking is the most common method of travel in Botswana. The highway system is riddled with potholes and elephants. Yet again, we hitched from Kasane to Nata. Then, found ourselves on an over crowded bus into Maun. With Mike, we brough the rain. We spent one lazy day reading and playing chess and preparing for our boat camping adventure into the Okavango Delta.
We lucked out with blue skies and sun the next day as we had an hour journey by motor boat into the delta and then another 3 hour macoro ride deeper into the delta!
Our guide, Magale, led us on morning and night bush walks, macoro rides, and a swimming adventure. There was much talk of vegan diet and the 2nd coming of Christ. More details will follow!
We are in Namibia! But, it is time to seize the day!
Easter - African Style
April 23 - 25
Kasane, Botswana
We left Bovu Island to get dropped on the side of the road and hitchhike to the border (about 20km). In no time, we found ourselves in the back of a police truck hitching a ride to the Zambia - Botswana border. We had joined forces with another American traveler, Peter, to celebrate the Easter weekend in Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana. Of course - without any reservations - we had to check out 3 different campsites for the busy Easter weekend. For our lack of planning, we ended up at Ngina Safari Campgroups with the locals! And the locals celebrate Easter! We stumbled upon an Easter concert and dance extravaganza with the Motswanas and Black Label Beer. The highlight was a "tina-turner-esque" woman named Slizer and her son Bibo! There were dance acts and music booming until 3am. The Afrians love Mikey and we quickly had a group of friends led by a dude named Baby. Quite a hilarious night!
On Easter Sunday - we went on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park - then onto Catholic Mass! The priest had us introduce ourselves to the congregation! The acappella singing in Setswana was beautiful! Then, we had a delicious easter lunch buffet complete with impalla steaks and a bottle of wine! After lounging by the pool - we ended the day with a Chobe river crusie! We saw a lot of wildlife both on the drive and river cruise. We truly had a blessed Easter Sunday!
Kasane, Botswana
We left Bovu Island to get dropped on the side of the road and hitchhike to the border (about 20km). In no time, we found ourselves in the back of a police truck hitching a ride to the Zambia - Botswana border. We had joined forces with another American traveler, Peter, to celebrate the Easter weekend in Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana. Of course - without any reservations - we had to check out 3 different campsites for the busy Easter weekend. For our lack of planning, we ended up at Ngina Safari Campgroups with the locals! And the locals celebrate Easter! We stumbled upon an Easter concert and dance extravaganza with the Motswanas and Black Label Beer. The highlight was a "tina-turner-esque" woman named Slizer and her son Bibo! There were dance acts and music booming until 3am. The Afrians love Mikey and we quickly had a group of friends led by a dude named Baby. Quite a hilarious night!
On Easter Sunday - we went on a morning game drive in Chobe National Park - then onto Catholic Mass! The priest had us introduce ourselves to the congregation! The acappella singing in Setswana was beautiful! Then, we had a delicious easter lunch buffet complete with impalla steaks and a bottle of wine! After lounging by the pool - we ended the day with a Chobe river crusie! We saw a lot of wildlife both on the drive and river cruise. We truly had a blessed Easter Sunday!
Jungle Junction at Bovu Island
April 20 - 23
After enjoying Victoria Falls, we went to Bovu Island - a small getaway in the middle of the Zambezi River. It is only accessible by macoro (wooden canoe). We stayed in a small open air "fisherman hut." It was truly three days of VACATION! We enjoyed sleeping in, sunset macoro trips, family style meals, and partying with the other travelers in the riverside, self-service bar! We also visited the nearby village to see their homes, the distilery (an fire over a metal barrel, a pipe, and a wooden cooling trough), and share lunch with a family. The kids loved having their picture taken and seeing their face on the digital screen!
It was hard to say goodbye to the island and our friends John, Lizanne, and Ben - but, we needed to keep moving.
After enjoying Victoria Falls, we went to Bovu Island - a small getaway in the middle of the Zambezi River. It is only accessible by macoro (wooden canoe). We stayed in a small open air "fisherman hut." It was truly three days of VACATION! We enjoyed sleeping in, sunset macoro trips, family style meals, and partying with the other travelers in the riverside, self-service bar! We also visited the nearby village to see their homes, the distilery (an fire over a metal barrel, a pipe, and a wooden cooling trough), and share lunch with a family. The kids loved having their picture taken and seeing their face on the digital screen!
It was hard to say goodbye to the island and our friends John, Lizanne, and Ben - but, we needed to keep moving.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Photos - take 2
Photo Blog
This is too Zambezi!
While Alex stresses about paper work and other American trappings, I thought I'd catch everyone up, and have a Mosi Lager! We're on our third night in Livingstone, Zambia, staying in the middle of town at Livingstone Backpackers! We made our way by bus from Jo'burg to Gaborone, Botswana. After a quick six hour ride (and an excellent Evangelical movie. Think Rambo-meets-Curly Sue, christian style!) we arrived in Gaborone, and were on our way to Mokolodi Backpackers. We were greeted by the owner/operator, Hendrick, and thankfully- due to the rain- allowed to set up camp on his front porch! He also helped us book our flight to Kasane and set up a meet and greet with the local domesticated cheetahs! The following morning we awoke to the most entertaining collection of animals. Shadow (a kitten found in a wheel well!), Jesse/Josie ( 2 great dane/pointer mixes who share both names!), and New Year (a pot belly pig!) headlined, with an array of chickens, guinea fowl, and rabbits as the opening acts! The next morning, after Alex was able to wrestle her socks away from Shadow, and New Year was happily fed, Jesse/Josie accompanied us on our 1.5 km walk up to the Mokolodi Animal Reserve where we were to meet our two friendly cheetahs. Unfortunately, our four legged friends lacked the proper identification to get into the park, so it was back to Mokolodi Backpackers we went. We returned later that afternoon without the dogs, and were quickly guided back to meet and hopefully pet Duma and Letotse. We got exactly what we wanted! First, spending some quality time with Duma, and next- after the two brothers bathed each other- getting to know Letotse! That night we relaxed back at the backpackers, and having reached the zenith of cat zen, welcomed shadow into our tent for the night! It was either that or listen to him try to tear it open all night! The following morning we said goodbye to Mokolodi and headed to the airport. We landed quickly in Kasane and were on our way to catch the ferry taking us into Zambia. Using my Marine Corps death stare, and Alex's teacher voice, we were able to make the trek without any interference from the local drunken thieves. They are easy to spot, as they all have only one eye open and sort of lean to the right slightly!! Quickly hailing a "blue taxi" (also literal) we found ourselves at Livingstone Backpackers in no time. Apparently, hearing of our eminent arrival, the staff had planned a braii (barbeque!) and a taping for their website. Alex demonstrated her rockwall skills, while I showed everyone how to drink with five beers in each hand and not spill! This of course led to a late night drum circle set to techno music until Alex and I decided we should rest before a full day of fun at "The Gorge". The next day we went with a group of five Canadians to challenge our natural instincts to a game of risk! We spent the day rappelling (abseiling/rap jumping), riding the zip line (fox flier), and swinging down, over, and across the 150 meter gorge. Alex and I are very proud to announce we were the heaviest couple of the day! Thanks to everyone who has invited us to dinners, parties, weddings, etc. throughout the past year....we have taken full of advantage of your hospitality! After a day of adrenaline, we headed to Victoria Falls to catch a glimpse of a lunar rainbow! This only happens during the full moon, and we were very lucky to catch sight of it. Unfortunately, we weren't able to capture any good photos with the point and shoot, and we thought it best not to bring the Nikon. Dad, you should appreciate that, because we had also decided to run across the bridge a couple of times, which left us completely soaked and shivering! We headed back to Livingstone hungry and exhausted, and upon arrival treated ourselves to a terrible meal of psuedo-maccaroni, and even worse conversation with a condescending Kiwi who apparently has spent the last two years traveling Africa learning to save the world. For the record, he is jobless and traveling alone....I liked him/Alex did not!!! I found his directions on how to find New Zealand on the map particularly informative! After an exciting, beautiful, wonderful day, we went to bed disappointed, with a grumble in our stomachs and Alex's throat! Today, we revisited Vic Falls, spending most of the day walking the paths and laying out on the rocks. We also waded in the river a bit, testing the current and wishing we could have rafted the Zambezi. Unfortunately, it is the off-season. The day was clear and beautiful, and the views were amazing. We are now looking forward to a few nights at Jungle Junction on Bovu Island. It is supposed to be an out-of-the-way quiet spot with plenty of activities. Can't wait to tell you about it!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
5 in 5 (The Big 5 in 5 days)
Graskop, ZA: base of Blyde River Canyon
We are relaxing in a mozambican cafe with wifi, good beer, a chess board, couches with comfy pillows, and a great soundtrack while the rain is drizzling outside.
We just finished a five day, self-drive safari through Kruger National Park, South Africa! The wildlife and the scenery were unbelievable!
After renting a car and a 4-hour trek from Soweto (and two speeding tickets!! Mike had to bribe each cop with 500rand to let us continue)- we were greeted at the Malelane gates by a family of elephants!!! We quickly forgot about the tickets and were excited to make it in the park before closing time! There are fancy campgrounds with restaruants, stores, and bungalows spread through the park that have strict gate opening and closing times-6am to 6pm! So glad we brought the tent!
We slowly made our way through towards our first camp, Berg-en-dal, wide-eyed and awed by the array and closeness of the animals! Elephants, kudu, rhino, impala, and birds! In our first thirty minutes - we had already seen 2 of the big 5!!
Over the next five days we covered much of the park, staying in four camps and catching sight of the big five (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard.) All in all- we saw countless impala, hundreds of baboons, warthog, vervet monkeys, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe,crocodiles , hippos, birds, a water monitor, hyenas, vultures, bush buck, waterbuck, turtles, salamanders, chameleons, black-back jackal, zebra, and mongoose!!!
A more detailed account will follow, as we are typing this on an iPhone! Sorry for the lack of posts! We have been camping and without Internet!
We are relaxing in a mozambican cafe with wifi, good beer, a chess board, couches with comfy pillows, and a great soundtrack while the rain is drizzling outside.
We just finished a five day, self-drive safari through Kruger National Park, South Africa! The wildlife and the scenery were unbelievable!
After renting a car and a 4-hour trek from Soweto (and two speeding tickets!! Mike had to bribe each cop with 500rand to let us continue)- we were greeted at the Malelane gates by a family of elephants!!! We quickly forgot about the tickets and were excited to make it in the park before closing time! There are fancy campgrounds with restaruants, stores, and bungalows spread through the park that have strict gate opening and closing times-6am to 6pm! So glad we brought the tent!
We slowly made our way through towards our first camp, Berg-en-dal, wide-eyed and awed by the array and closeness of the animals! Elephants, kudu, rhino, impala, and birds! In our first thirty minutes - we had already seen 2 of the big 5!!
Over the next five days we covered much of the park, staying in four camps and catching sight of the big five (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard.) All in all- we saw countless impala, hundreds of baboons, warthog, vervet monkeys, wildebeest, ostrich, giraffe,crocodiles , hippos, birds, a water monitor, hyenas, vultures, bush buck, waterbuck, turtles, salamanders, chameleons, black-back jackal, zebra, and mongoose!!!
A more detailed account will follow, as we are typing this on an iPhone! Sorry for the lack of posts! We have been camping and without Internet!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Soweto, South Africa
After three days of travel, we are finally in South Africa! We landed in Jo'burg this morning, Wed. April 6th. We enjoyed our 9 hour layover in Frankfurt, Germany with authentic German foods and bier! Now - we are exhausted. Just as I was saying how happy we had our first night accomodation planned and a ride set from the airport, our "friend of an accquaintance" did not show!
So, next thing we know - we pull out the Lonely Planet and decide to head to Soweto, the SOuth-WEst-TOwnship outside Johannesburg. Townships were designed as a place for black South African to live in segregation from the white people of Joburg, yet still be close enough to work. Both Mandela and Tutu lived in Soweto. We are in a cute backpackers lodge with our tent set up! There are many drums, hammocks, and bikes! We are looking forward to posting up, catching some sleep, and planning our safari in Kruger Park.
Much love,
Alex and Mike
So, next thing we know - we pull out the Lonely Planet and decide to head to Soweto, the SOuth-WEst-TOwnship outside Johannesburg. Townships were designed as a place for black South African to live in segregation from the white people of Joburg, yet still be close enough to work. Both Mandela and Tutu lived in Soweto. We are in a cute backpackers lodge with our tent set up! There are many drums, hammocks, and bikes! We are looking forward to posting up, catching some sleep, and planning our safari in Kruger Park.
Much love,
Alex and Mike
Saturday, April 2, 2011
A new decade, a new adventure
Thank you for all of the birthday wishes! Thirty is going to be a great year!
I kicked off the new decade with a Safari Scavenger Hunt and Pub Crawl!!! It was a joint birthday celebration for me and Randy (another future orthopod). We hit 5 bars with five tasks at each bar! The costumes, the props, and the shots (drink shots and camera shots) made my night fantastic! Special shout out to Ryan Ash and the djembe drum which made our entrance into every bar dramatic!
Thanks to Mikey for helping design the Safari Hunt! Mom for hiding the leopard eggs! And Jessica Lea for being the time keeper! Thank you to everyone who bought me drinks! I am paying for it today. It was also a special treat to have my cousin Shannan in town for the hunt! The birthday celebrations will continue with Tarah, Nikki, and Mark tonight!
Today, I am nursing a hangover and happy to be starting a new decade. Mike and I leave for Africa on Monday! And for the first time, I am trying out this blog thing. (Really, it is because my parents got spoiled by Vanessa's Travel blog when we were in Central America!) So, here it is!
I kicked off the new decade with a Safari Scavenger Hunt and Pub Crawl!!! It was a joint birthday celebration for me and Randy (another future orthopod). We hit 5 bars with five tasks at each bar! The costumes, the props, and the shots (drink shots and camera shots) made my night fantastic! Special shout out to Ryan Ash and the djembe drum which made our entrance into every bar dramatic!
Thanks to Mikey for helping design the Safari Hunt! Mom for hiding the leopard eggs! And Jessica Lea for being the time keeper! Thank you to everyone who bought me drinks! I am paying for it today. It was also a special treat to have my cousin Shannan in town for the hunt! The birthday celebrations will continue with Tarah, Nikki, and Mark tonight!
Today, I am nursing a hangover and happy to be starting a new decade. Mike and I leave for Africa on Monday! And for the first time, I am trying out this blog thing. (Really, it is because my parents got spoiled by Vanessa's Travel blog when we were in Central America!) So, here it is!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)